tribute

The Second Regiment Light Dragoons,Tallmadge's Troop

Tribute to John Kevin Conway

John Kevin Conway
1952-2002

John Conway joined Sheldon’s Horse, the Second Continental Light Dragoons in the mid ‘80s and immediately become a leader. As the regiment went through many changes, John became very instrumental in forming the Second Regiment Light Dragoons, Tallmadge’s Troop. The new regiment was incorporated in August 1989 and John was appointed President. John held this post until March 2002 when the position was passed on. He did an extensive amount of research and documentation for the regiment. The Second Dragoons can boast having some of the best documentation on a regiment within the Brigade of the American Revolution (BAR). He also wrote a number of papers on the use of Dragoons in the hobby and other materials to be used in the hobby and for publication on the Regiments’ web page.

To John, the hobby of Revolutionary War reenacting was a way of life. He always strived to be the best and wanted to assist others at being the best. He pushed for esprit de corps within our regiment and camaraderie among the men. John’s standards for authenticity will always be in the forefront for our members.
His enthusiasm and drive for authenticity was evident from the start. He researched constantly to document the uniforms, actions and daily lives of the original soldiers of the regiment.

John became a friend to many people -- he was always helping other people strive to improve their impression. He freely shared his documentation to make our hobby the best that it could be. John was a Board Member at Large in the national organization of the BAR, where he served well for 2 years. He was a true inspiration to us all, but his biggest influence was on the unit’s commander. John became a friend who will never be forgotten. His love for history and his impact on his friends will last forever.

It was a great loss when John Conway passed away Monday morning July 8, 2002. He is survived by his wife Pat and daughter Caitlin. John now is at rest in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Tarrytown, NY.

I can’t say enough to show my admiration for this man. John was a historian, a researcher, a soldier, a leader, a great man and above all, a true friend.

Our thoughts will always be with you,
your friend,

Lt. Robert S. Allegretto
Commander, Second Regiment Light Dragoons, Tallmadge’s Troop


Conway sits under the fly to cool off at one of the hotest events. Rockford Plantaion in PA 1998	Wethersfield, CT Recruiting Event 1995

Conway (right) at Oriskany, NY battlefield 1993	Conway (left) at early Wethersfield, CT Recruit Event 1993

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